Discover Ljubljana’s Stories Behind Art and Architecture

5.0 (3 reviews) 1 h 30 min Free cancellation

out of 5

3 reviews

5.0

Discover Ljubljana’s Stories Behind Art and Architecture — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

Discover Ljubljana’s Stories Behind Art and Architecture, photo 2 — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

About this activity

Every city tells wonderful stories, and Ljubljana is no exception. These stories tell about people, events, symbols, myths, and beliefs, and are best told through exploring art and architecture of the city and its development through time. I invite you to join me in one such exploration. Disregard dry history lectures, and immerse yourself into story-telling, symbolism, art, and architecture. I am an award-winning tourist worker from Ljubljana with close to two decades of experience, who has dedicated his life to sharing knowledge, and putting smiles on people’s faces.

Why chose a 1 hour 30 minutes walking tour instead of the ones which last 2 hours or more? Most people lose focus after 1hour 30minutes of listening. So, avoid the full bladder, heat or cold, and back pain, pay less and enjoy more. In case you wish to know more, I add 15 to 20 minutes of questions at the end of the tour anyway. So, please join me and book.

Private and Luxury Architecture Tours Art Tours Walking Tours Street Art Tour Short term availability Weather Dependent - Low Agent Low Quality Product

At a glance

Duration: 1 h 30 min
Confirmation: Instant confirmation
Ticket: Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group: Up to 20 people
People per booking: 1–15
Guide: English
Operated by: Nebs' Walks

Ages: Infants (0–1 years) · Children (2–5 years) · Youth (6–16 years) · Adults (17–120 years)

What is included

Included

Included: A shot of liquor to recharge batteries :)
Included: Licenced tour guide

Itinerary

1
Preseren Square

10 min
- The love story of France Prešeren: our most famous poet whose statue adorns the main square, who passionately has his eyes on his unrequited love to this day.
- The clash between faith and art: the priest from the red church clashes with the artist of the statue.
- Different architecture, different time periods, different stories: the fascinating reason why the Art Nouveaux buildings are so colourful, and why we have the tripple bridge.
2
Butcher's Bridge

10 min
- The architecture: the connectin of the medieval castle, and its walls, to the modern architecture of the market, and the bridge.
- Where the statues tell tales: the story behind the Adam and Eve, Satyr, Prometheus, but also behind the Dragon statues on the neighbouring Dragon Bridge. The statues reveal a connection between symbolism of the Greek, Christian, and Slavic mythology, creating a dream-like atmosphere.
3
Seminary Palace and Library

Passing by
- The Two Hercules: the symbolism of the two Hercules statues in front of the Seminary Library, as the two guardians of the border to the unknown. These giants found their way not only to the early 18th century Ljubljana buliding, but also to many coats of arms around the world.
- The Cathedral of St. Nicholas: the architecture and the amazing bronze doors, on which its art encompasses all Christian times, from Romans to the 20th century.
4
Mestni Trg

10 min
- The Town Hall: the story of the most resilient, and most resourceful mayor of Ljubljana, whose ingenuity made the city what it is today, and the middle ages forms of punishment which took place in front of the building.
- The Keymakers Street: getting lost in the narrow streets, and ending up at the one with many bronze faces scatered over its floor, while we discuss the connection of its symbolism to the unforgiving conditions of life during the middle-ages.
5
Old Square (Stari trg)

10 min
- The statue of the washing women from Bizovik: the story of the villagers from outside of Ljubljana and their centuries old occupation. These hard working ladies woud earn their money by travelling to Ljubljana and washing rich people's clothes.
- This is also where we recharge our batteries, and try a local liquor.
6
Shoemaker's Bridge (Cevljarski Most)

5 min
- Stories from the middle age: the bakers' thievery, and the butchers' grime.
- The modern architecture: building the bridge, and solving the flooding of the river.
7
National and University Library

Passing by
- The crown jewel of Jože Plečnik's work: decipher the symbolism behind a true work of art, with its mystic rocky facade, the Pegasus handles, or the statues that wish to break free from the building.
8
Congress Square (Kongresni trg)

10 min
- The witness of all Ljubljana's history: all the buildings by the square also tell tales, and, as such, connect the history of Ljubljana inot a complete circle.

Meeting point and pickup

Everyone meets at the meeting point.

Meeting point

My tour starts from the main square (Prešernov trg 1) underneat the Haupmann house, in front of the bronze scale model of Ljubljana (look for the red umbrella), and ends at the same place.

End point

My tour starts from the main square (Prešernov trg 1) underneat the Haupmann house, in front of the bronze scale model of Ljubljana (look for the red umbrella), and ends at the same place.